BALTIMORE -- Looking to add pitching depth before Spring Training, the Orioles did just that on Friday, acquiring right-hander Gabriel Ynoa from the Mets in exchange for cash considerations.
Ynoa was ranked as the Mets' No. 18 prospect by MLBPipeline.com. The 23-year-old made his Major League debut last season and pitched in 10 games, including three starts. He had a 6.38 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings. Ynoa went 12-5 with a 3.97 ERA over 154 1/3 innings in 25 starts at Triple-A.
"Gabe Ynoa is young, strong, durable and talented," Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said. "Our scouts feel he can develop into a Major League starting pitcher by developing a consistent breaking pitch. We look forward to his contributions to the Orioles this season and beyond."
To make room for Ynoa on the 40-man roster, Baltimore designated catcher Francisco Pena for assignment.
The 27-year-old Pena batted .200 (8-for-40) with a home run and three RBIs in 14 games with the Orioles last season, his first with the team and third in the Majors. Pena is third on the O's catching depth chart, and the move all but solidifies that Caleb Joseph will back up Welington Castillo.